Spirituality at St Andrew's

Schools in England, as part of their offering of a ‘balanced and broadly based’ curriculum, are required to promote and provide opportunity for the spiritual development of all. In line with our school vision, the opportunity to spiritually flourish is offered to all pupils and adults.

What do we mean by Spirituality?

As a school, we understand spirituality to be about how each individual relates to and sees themselves, how they relate to the world and how they relate to others and for some to the divine. Spirituality is not, therefore, the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith, however for others their spirituality is lived out through their commitment to a religion. In both cases, spirituality is a highly personal experience and looks different from person to person. It is not something we can see but about how we each feel inside.

How do we talk about Spirituality?

We have adopted a “school language” that helps support spiritual development. We talk of spirituality being about how we respond to the

Wows (awe and wonder)
Ows (Sad times and responding to life’s big and often difficult questions)
Nows (the rhythm and ordinary patterns of our days)

of life.

The Bible talks about how God creates everyone in God's image. It also describes God as a potter and describes everyone being the work of God's hand.

'We are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand'

(Isaiah 64:8)

Sometimes, pots can crack or break. Sometimes things happen that can make us feel cracked or changed. We believe that whatever happens to us in life, God is with us. God can fill and mend gaps and put everyone back together.

Spirituality can be seen as the glue which can fill the gaps that may be caused by the 'OWs', the 'WOWs' and the 'NOWs' of life.

How do we nurture Spirituality at St. Andrew’s?

We spiritually nurture pupils and adults using our school vision and values as well as through planned and spontaneous opportunities across the St Andrew’s Curriculum. This will include the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes. We give children opportunities to:

• Have regular time in the day for quiet and reflection. This might be listening to a story, saying a prayer, lighting the candles in worship, listening to music, the reflection for the day, use of the reflection areas around school or the prayers said throughout the day.

• Have opportunities for creativity and using their imagination

• Explore, express, share and compare feelings and opinions.

• Focus upon our values of 'Respect, Forgiveness and Compassion' - constantly reaffirm the importance of relationships. How we talk to and relate with each other is fundamental.

• Express awe and wonder, appreciate beauty in all its forms, and appreciate the connections the world

• Read often, giving them opportunities to discuss and reflect. This includes both secular and religious texts.

• Begin to develop their own system of beliefs, which may or may not include religious beliefs drawing on our school values of “Justice, Perseverance and Peace”.

• Reflect on the situations of others through role play or stories.

Plug in and Play Reflections

At the end of each day we plug in to reflect on the day past and the time ahead. We use the following symbols to help us focus our thoughts.